$150 – $400
First Printer
Just start printing
You don't need the best printer. You need one that works out of the box, doesn't punish beginner mistakes, and makes you want to print something else tomorrow.
Every printer here scores 7 or higher on beginner-friendliness. Auto bed leveling is standard. Firmware won't require a weekend to configure. And the communities are big enough that when you Google "why is my first layer lifting," someone already answered it.
Start here. Upgrade when you know what you're actually missing.
Our Pick
Three options. One recommendation. The math is simple.
Bambu Lab
Bambu Lab A1 Combo
The one most people should get. Seriously.
Bambu Lab
Bambu Lab P1S
For $50 more: fully enclosed chamber, multi-material AMS, higher top speed.
Not sure which to get? Most people should just buy the Best Value. The budget pick is fine but you'll probably want more in 6 months. The step-up is worth it if this is your primary creative tool.
The Full List
8 printers, ranked by overall score
fdmBambu Lab A1 Mini
Top PickBambu Lab
Bambu quality at $199. Desk footprint small enough that it fits next to your monitor without crowding anything out.
fdmBambu Lab A1 Combo
Bambu Lab
Multi-color printing out of the box, reliable enough for beginners, fast enough for anyone who's tired of watching a print head crawl.
fdmBambu Lab P1S
Bambu Lab
Fully enclosed with HEPA filtration. The machine you graduate to when PLA isn't enough anymore.
fdmFlashforge Adventurer 5M
Flashforge
Enclosed with HEPA and 600mm/s for $299. The budget version of the Pro, with the features most people actually need.
fdmCreality Ender 3 V3
Creality
CoreXZ with Klipper pre-installed for under $300. The budget speed machine the Ender 3 V3 SE isn't.
fdmElegoo Neptune 4
Elegoo
Klipper for $199 with a slightly larger bed than the Creality equivalent. Elegoo's budget challenger.
fdmAnycubic Kobra 3
Anycubic
Fast CoreXY at $299, discontinued in favor of the Kobra S1 Combo. Still available at discount.
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